Good Afternoon Everyone,
This is Neil at the wheel. I want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. You will never know how much they helped during this time. I also want to thank my family as I could not have made it without them. I am doing the blog today to personally tell you all that I have some bad news that is going to turn out to be great news. Tomorrow at 3 pm, I am having my right let amputated below the knee. After the second opinion from the great orthopedic staff at UAB, they agreed with the doctor here. With the injuries to my leg, it will never be functional. A prosthetic leg will be better. This will help us get our lives back to normal sooner rather than later. It is very possible that by the end of next week, I could be in rehab at Health South. (Many of you may not believe this as we have yelled "Wolf" several times before.) I want to thank my cousin, Hunter and Kaila, and my good friend and financial advisor, JD, for the great visit while I was in Birmingham. I understand the next few days probably will be very emotional. With your continued support and prayers, I will be able to manage the surgery and the recovery. In the end, I want to thank my beautiful wife, DeAnn, for her continued support. I know this has been tough on her as well as the rest of us. I want to thank all of you in helping me to fulfill a dream in being able to write this blog entry. Thanks so very much
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54 comments:
YOU GO "BABE" YOU WILL NEVER KNOW JUST HOW PROUD I AM TO BE APART OF YOUR LIFE. LOVE WILL GET YOU & DEANN THRU THIS AND ONE DAY YOU'LL LOOK BACK AND GO "GEE" WE ARE SOOOOO BLESSED!!!!!!!!!!!
LOVE YOU ALL
MS VANESSA
Hey Neil-- Great to hear that you're posting! I love this blog cause I get to read about your day every night.
Sorry I missed you in Birmingham. By the time I knew you were here you were headed back.
I'll be praying for you during your upcoming surgery. Do you know yet which Health South facility will you be in after?
Let me know when you can. Love, Cousin Regina
Lucia,
I'm going to need to meet this amazing Neil of yours!! He, like his Mom, is an incredible person. I love you and will continue to give you guys to God everyday.
joni
Hey Neil! It is great that you are posting on the blog now. Just want you all to know I will be saying a special prayer for you. Tell everyone hello.
PJ
HEY NEIL, WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS DAILY. YOU HAVE COME ALONG WAY AND YOU WILL GET THRU THIS. YOU HAVE SOME WONDERFUL PEOPLE THERE WITH YOU TO HELP YOU. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOUR SMILING FACE. LOVE YOU ALL, GINGER
I have been praying for all of you each day and will be saying a special prayer for your surgery tomorrow. God bless you all!!!!!!
Kay Farris
Neil,
All we can say is we love you and praying for you. As we said Tuesday "Everything is gonna be all right". Your family at Creative Services will be waiting to here from you tomorrow. Tell that sweet family we love them also.
Love Ya,
Bonnie
Well, well, well...it is about time you got behind the wheel! I am so proud of you! Your strength and determination are incredible. I admire your bravery and positive outlook on everything. We are so blessed to be a part of such an amazing family as well as extended family including friends. My prayers continue for you daily, and I know that you will continue to recover completely. I love you!
Your favorite cousin,
Lizzy:)
NEIL, I HAVE READ YOUR BLOG EACH DAY AND SO LOOKED FORWARD TO GETTING THE NEWS. TODAY WAS THE BEST. YOU HAVE SO MANY PEOPLE THAT HAVE PRAYED FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY THROUGH YOUR BAD TIMES AND GOOD TIMES. WE LOVE YOU AND LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU OUT AND ABOUT AND SMILING AS USUAL. LOVE YA, BARBARA STARLING
Neil, I know you still have a bumpy road ahead of you, but even on a day of not-so-good news, your being able to post is such GREAT news!!! I'm always happy to hear your family's perseverance and optimism. Keep it up, and we'll keep praying for you.
WOW! You are one of the strongest people I've ever met and I'm so proud of your bravery and strength - 2 qualities I don't know I could portray if I were in your situation. You are such an example to so many. I hate that this seems to be the best option, but I at the same time, I'm so glad you've made this far - you have been so blessed and this is just a small valley compared to the mountains in your future. We love you Neil and we can't wait for you to come home! May God continue to bless you all!
~Laura and Ben Terrell
Neil - I read the blog daily and I must say it was great to hear from YOU. I want you, Deann and the rest of the family that I will continue to be thinking of you and especially praying for you in the days ahead. You have a loving, wonderful, supporting family, numerous friends praying for you and that says a lot about you and the wonderful person you are and the amount of lives you have touched.. Ya'll hang in there....GOD IS GREAT!!!! Love Ya!!!Tina Gardner
Sending lots of love and prayers to you all.
Bobby Smith and Staff
Mobile Home Sales
Troy, Alabama
I am so proud of you Neil! You are such a strong man and you have come so far. Watching you and your family through the past couple of months has given me so much courage, optomism and most of all- FAITH!! I hope you having this blog has reassured you how much WE ALL love you and how much you mean to each and every one of us! It's wonderful to hear from your mom or Reese or whoever is posting the blog for the day; but I do have to say... knowing it was YOU today made me smile a HUGE smile the whole time I read your post!!! Cant wait to see your face!
I love you,
Candace
NEIL! NEIL! NEIL! It is so wonderful to hear your voice :) Your "blog family" has been waiting for this moment. And it sure feels good. Your road to recovery has been tough, but your positive attitude is just unbelievable. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you tomorrow. Keep up the good work. We are so very proud of you.
Chris and Rachel
Hey Neil! We are all sitting here, thinking and talking about you. We want you to know how much we admire your positive attitude. We know everything will go well. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We cannot wait until you come back to work! We love you!!
The SanBuck Crew
Dear Parrot-Head,
Come Monday it'll be alright!
Love,
Jimmy Buffet
Neil you are a stroung man to be able to go througe the past few weeks & the weeks to come your strenth comes from GOD and your blound line of parrents and grand parrents witch are verry special people I love you all GOD BLESS YOU ALL TERRY WAYNE
Hi Neil! It is so good to hear your voice in typed words. This blog has become a part of so many people's lives. It is part of our morning routine to click and find out what Neil has been up to. You have come a long way and are such a blessing to us. If we are ever face with a trying situation as yours, we will reflect back to your strong will and positive attitude. You continue to be in our prayers. God Bless you, Deann and the whole gang!!
Jerry & Debbie Kelley
I will be thinking of you all day tomorrow. God will take care of you. With your new leg, you'll run everybody off the golf course! All my love! Melanie:)
HEY NEIL! JUST WANT TO LET YOU KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS AND I MISS SEEING YOUR SMILING FACE! I'M GLAD YOU ARE SO POSISTIVE THROUGH ALL OF THIS . . I MEAN HEY, THATS THE ONLY WAY TO BE!!!! =) KEEP ON KEEPING ON! I'M RIGHT HERE CHEERING YOU ON BUDDY!!
~ashleigh
Neil,
We are so glad that we have been able to hear how God is using you to touch so many lives. You have been on the pray list at First Baptist Dublin since the accident. My heart is broken that it has to come to this, but I know that He will provide strength and support as you go through this next phase of surgery and therapy on your leg. You and your family remain in the thoughts and prayers of the Andress and Goodson families. Your attitude reminds me so much of Paul's words to the Philippians; "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want, I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."
Your Brother in Christ,
Tommy Goodson
Dublin, GA
Neil, you've been on our prayer list at Perry Hill UMC since the beginning of this journey. I'm going to e-mail a copy of YOUR message now so that our prayer warriors can get to work! You have no idea the impact that the faith, strength, and determination shown by you and your family have had on people you've never even met. My love, thoughts, and prayers are with all of you. -- Kathy Morrow
Neil, "hearing" your voice so positive and confirming is wonderful! You are so admired by all in keeping faith, seeing the positive, and when all else fails, pulling through and still getting there! What joy it brings to have participated in this journey and to see the Lord's handprints everywhere! This has changed all of our lives forever... in amazing ways. We all know where the strength and determination comes from: our Lord. We love you and you are in our prayers continuously, especially tomorrow!
<><
Tony and Rebecca
Hey brother,
You are one of the strongest people I know. I just hate that we haven't been able to come see you. Living all the way in Savannah does have it's drawbacks. I can't tell you how amazing it is to finally see you start writing these yourself. You are such an inspiration to eveyone. I feel like we are family and I love you like a brother. You are always in our thoughts and prayers. We are here supporting you eveyday. We are coming to town for the 4th of July weekend and can't wait to see you.
Love you brother,
Stephen Smith and Marissa Niknafs
Neil,
You're courage and strength in the face of adversity is incredibly admirable. I know that if anyone can turn a negative into a positive it is you. I am truly inspired by your resiliant character. Thank you for being such an inspiration.
Marissa
Neil, We have been praying for you. You have so much strength, you keep that positive attitude up. Im so proud of you. We love you so much. Love u, cousin marcy
Neil - I have been so truly blessed to have two Neil Granthams in my life. First - my big brother and my protector and second - my courageous great nephew and my inspiration. I truly believe that from the moment of the accident that you have had a 'guarding angel' up above taking care of you. How else can the miracle of your recovery be explained? I know beyond a shadow of doubt that your guarding angel is your Granddaddy Neil. I also know you have a cheering squad of Granthams in Heaven (there might also be a couple way down below also). God tells us that good can come from everything and the good thing from all of this is the huge number of people who have been touch by your courageous attitude. You are remarkable and God sent you a 'divine connection' when he created Deann. I know the next few days will be difficult but I truly believe greater, happier days are ahead, for you will soon be wearing shorts and sporting two handsome legs on the golf course! All us Carrs, Spurlins, Branches, Chandlers and those yankeee Terrys send you much, much love. We are truly blessed to have Hero like you in our family. Love, YPSSSYGA
Baby-YOU are my HERO!!!!
Mike n Colby
We continue to remember you in our prayers. Hope everything goes well. Can't wait to see you back at the Ranch House. Lunch will be on me!!!!
Greg Hanchey
Just wanted you to know that you are all still in our daily prayers here in Brantley, Alabama. Your attitude and faith have touched so many lives. Prayers have been answered over and over again. God has certainly had you in the palm of his hand. I wish you a speedy recovery!!
Jama Lewis Walker
Neil, it was so great to actually see you "@ the wheel"! Please know that you & your wonderful family are in our prayers! You've all been through so much and yet you've conquered. With God watching over you and your positive attitude, I know this will be another victory. Keep smiling and know you have a large fan club rooting you on! Love You All! Joy McCormick
Neil - You are such an inspiration to us all. I know that God has heard the thousands of prayers that have been sent up for you and He continues to walk with you every day. You are in my prayers first thing every morning and the last thing every night - and several times in between. I love you and I know that God has great plans for you and Deann. Keep up the faith!!!!!!!!!!!!! Aunt Rhonda
Neil,
My Friend...If anyone can handle this situation...YOU CAN!...I, along with many, many others, have been that "silent force" standing with you...the LORD has a plan for you and your life!...You have and continue to be an inspiration to the throng of us who have known you "forever." May GOD continue to bless you and be your constant companion...HE WILL see you through!!
Love,
CRASH
Neil, you're my superman and I
Love you so very much. See you in the morning.
LOVE Grandmama
Neil, As we have told you you are our HERO. I did not think I would ever meet anyone stronger than your mother but I was wrong. You are the strongest person I know and Madison is so very fortunate to have you as her Godfather. I know the next week will be very tough but in the end we will walk on the beach, play golf and play tennis twice a year. You are in our thoughts and prayers always but most especially today.
YOU ARE AT THE WHEEL!!!!!
AND WE KNOW YOU HAVE THE HAMMER
DOWN.
BOB and PEACHY
Neil .. It is so wonderful to hear from you !!! As always you have all the love and support the Arab yankees can give. You have been the strongest person I have ever met through this, you are my hero !! I am so sorry we missed you in B'ham. We hope to be able to make a trip soon, but until then.. Hugs & kisses !!!
Our love and prayers are with the whole family....
Lennie & Rose
hey podnah,
i see where laura has already spoken for both of us, but i just wanted let you know how proud of you we are. i haven't missed a day on this blog and the distance you've covered to this point is phenomenal. i'm certain that this disappointing news will one day be something positive and inspirational. God bless you brother.
Ben Lodden
Hey Neil!
So glad to hear from you this time! I will be praying for your surgery today. You have come so far and I am so excited to see all of the improvements yet to come!
Leigh Locklar
Neil and DeAnn,
So great to see Neil at the wheel. I never expected anything less from Neil. Your positive spirit and strength continues to bless me each and everyday. Thank you for your blog each day. I pray everything will go great today with the surgery and I know it will. Just remember you all are always in my thougts and prayers.
Love ya bunches,
Theresa Kelley
lots and lots of prayers going up for you today. Just know that we all love you very much and can't wait til you are up and about again. We will also say a "special" prayer for the medical staff taking care of you today.
Love ya,
Henrietta
Adam will be right there with you today and always! We love you so much! Melanie
Hi Guys..
Only God knows what's to follow but hey.... it can only be good if it comes from him. You rank mighty high on his list..because he sure has taken good care of you. We are all so proud of you and can't wait to see you back in the big city. Show em what you made of man:)
Love,
Eddie & Melinda
Neil,
I'm in awe of you. You have no idea how far-reaching your struggles will be. I have never ever known anyone like you. To say I'm proud does not begin to express my feelings. I've always thought you were pretty cool but you blow me away. Janette and I will be up there today to keep your Dad company. Your future looks so bright and in the long run you will be able to achieve anything, even greatness. Frankly, I think you're already there.
Love you sweetie,
Lynn, the Yankee
Sending love your way and keeping you all close today in thoughts and prayers --- especially for your doctors and nurses and everyone who takes care of you, Neil. You sure are made of something fine. Please count me as one of your many fans; it's good to be a member of your cheering squad. Keep the faith, Becky P
Neil,
Just wanted to let you know we are praying for you and your doctor's as you prepare for the coming hours of your surgery. It was wonderful to see you last night and see that smile on your face and the strength and determination you show in beating this challenge. Brayden talked about you even as we left the hospital parking lot. He continued to say "bye Neil bye Neil" only to be followed up with "see Neil I wanna see Neil". We sure do love you and can't wait to see you up walking around. Looking forward to your Labor Day goal now.
XOXO
Alesha
Neil,
Janice Strickland and I have been on the phone talking about your surgery scheduled for right now. You are in our hearts and prayers. Life is good and everything will be well. We love you.
Linda C. Young
Hey, just thinking of you and praying for you. I know you are in surgery as I write. Love,
Uncle V and jk
Hey Our Sweet Neil,
It's Friday afternoon and your family at Creative Services are all huddled in my office and we are praying for you. You know we love you, Buddy!! It was wonderful to talk to you on Tuesday. Hang in there and we will see you soon with your Diet Coke and your corn ships.
We love you!!
Miss Mildred
Hey Brother, You are in my thoughts and prayers everyday. You make people smile with your relentless positive attitude, and im honored to call u one of my very best friends. God has big plans for u my friend, there is a reason ur here with us.. We are all here with u every step of the way! Love ya brother JD
You inspire us! We hope you are taking great notes because when this is all over you could write a great inspirational book about your journey! We think it would be a best seller and we want to purchase the first copy!
Still praying every day,
Bobby, Lynn and Biskit
Lucia,
We agree with joni. We are going to have to meet your incredible son. Neil, we don't know you personally yet, but you continue to be in our prayers every day. You positive attitude is an inspiration and you are right. We know through the strength you have already shown you will be fine. Playing golf in no time. We will pray for a speedy recovery. Love you all
Angie and Betty
Neil,
We are so extremely proud of you!!! I loved reading your own words tonight. Even though we should all be comforting you, I felt comforted BY you as I read your words. I am sorry I missed you in B'ham. By the time Daddy told me you were here, you were already on your way back to Montgomery. We'll be down to see you soon, though. I can't wait to see you up and around. We love you and continue to pray for you.
Love,
Ron, Mary, and Evan
Hey Neil, Hardy and I send our love and prayers. Everthings going to be better down the road. Hang in there. Love you Hardy and Shelia
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